Hechkoff & Yarock wins Billings trots at Monticello

As the seven month C.K.G. Billings Harness Drivers Series heads into the home stretch two trots were staged at the Mighty M on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

In the first Billings split, Bob “the Headhunter” Hechkoff had his veteran trotter Tremendous Hit on the pole and they took the lead on the first turn although Terry “the Dairy Queen” Donnelly with Canadian Princess also wanted that location. However Hechkoff had other thoughts.

He not only parked Donnelly past the quarter but he kept her on the limb the entire mile through relatively stiff fractions but neither Donnelly nor Canadian Princess quit.

They were still second on the outside at the three quarters and at the top of the lane Donnelly’s mare finally tired but didn’t give it up as Tremendous Hit finally drew off by two lengths to win in 2:01.4. “Chicago George” Bonomo, with Upfrontstrikesgold rallied to be second while Canadian Princess hung on gamely for third money .

“He’s a great old guy and such a pleasure to drive,” Hechkoff, an executive recruiter by trade, , said of Tremendous Hit.”I love this horse.”

Sent off as the favorite in the race Tremendous Hit, owned by Hechkoff’s RBH Ventures, paid $4.40 for win.

The other split saw Dave “Steady As” Yarock and Guiding Light bide their time In The Pocket and move forward as others in front pulled off the pylons.

At the top of the stretch they were second on the inside but still some two lengths behind the pace-setter, Two Shot Lead, driven by Alan “the Intimidator” Schwartz.

It appeared that Two Shot Lead would get the job done but in the deep stretch his strides shortened and Guiding Light went charging by and went on to defeat him and win by a length in 2:01.2. Northmedo Wine Guy and “Mighty Matt” Zuccarello took home the show dough.

Jim Doherty, Jr. trains Guiding Light who’s owned by Yarock, who is a financial planner by profession. Sent off at odds of 6-1 the veteran 9 year old trotting gelding returned a $14.20 win payoff.